Prof. Kwok-Fai Chung, Director of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Steel Construction (Hong Kong Branch) at PolyU has received a Certificate of Merit at the 3rd National Award for Excellence in Innovation. The Award is a state-level honour in China for science and technology and is organised only every three years. Prof. Chung is the only recipient from Hong Kong this year.

Prof. Chung specialises in research into the performance and cost challenges for large steel structures, along with the environmental issue of the high carbon footprint of construction. He has conducted cross-disciplinary research in various areas including materials and welding, as well as into the mechanical properties and structural performance of high-strength steel structures, providing solutions for the Nation’s development of a “dual carbon” strategy in engineering construction.

Prof. Chung’s research outputs have been applied in several major construction projects such as the double-arch steel bridge of the Cross Bay Link in Tseung Kwan O in Hong Kong and the Quarta Ponte Marítima Macau-Taipa in Macau. His most recent achievement not only demonstrates PolyU's strength in research and technology development, but also supports Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology hub.